Dr. Sandra Madaris , LCSW, CSW

Dr. Sandra Madaris is a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia who helps people facing addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, low self-esteem, and depression. She brings 23 years of experience and a compassionate, respectful approach to each conversation.

Clients can expect straightforward, person-focused care. She listens first, then tailors a plan to the situation. Sessions aim to build practical skills and clearer thinking rather than jargon or one-size-fits-all solutions.

Dr. Madaris uses a mix of methods that fit the person and the problem. That can mean working on actions and values, practicing new ways to respond to strong feelings, or looking at patterns that keep someone stuck. The work is collaborative and paced to what the client can handle.

Her background includes long experience with substance use and the fallout that can follow, including relationship stress and codependency. She also supports people coping with medical challenges such as cancer, caregiving strain, and the emotional effects of aging.

Throughout the work she focuses on clear goals like managing anger, reducing substance use, improving mood, or building confidence. She also helps people dealing with attachment and abandonment concerns, communication problems, and separation or divorce issues. Sessions are practical and aimed at making daily life feel more manageable.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people name what matters to them and take small, value-driven steps even when feelings are hard. This can be useful for depression, anxiety, and addiction-related triggers. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that keep problems going, which often helps with mood, anger, and low self-esteem. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills for regulating intense emotions and improving how someone copes when they feel overwhelmed.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences and then try techniques that fit those aims. That decision is collaborative and can change as progress is made.

Online therapy offers several practical benefits. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when meeting in person is difficult. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth or camera use is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging are helpful for quick check-ins, skill practice, or people who prefer writing to speaking. These options make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life and to continue work consistently across weeks.